The State of Black Tie: Your Observations

[ImTheGroom]



Here are some pics illustrating my problem. I can't believe Brooks Brothers would put a non-stud button on the pique bib. In any case, I think that the quickest/easiest/cheapest route is simply to get the button cut off and another stud hole made (my tailor can do it for $20). That leaves me with 5 studs, which I very much dislike, but is otherwise innocuous. I definitely regret the low rise pants, and when I replace this tux, I will have something MTM with a more reasonable cut.

Can you find a taller cummerbund?

 

[aravenel]

Agreed--that seems to be more a problem with the cummerbund (or possibly very low rise trousers?) than the shirt. Basically, the top of that cummerbund is about where I would expect to see the top of the trousers, with the cummerbund covering above that.

 

[marcodalondra]

Looking at the picture and the OP statement, the problem is quite certainly with the lowest rise formal trousers I have ever seen.

 

[archetypal_yuppie]

The main problem is that you're wearing the cumberbund as if it is a belt.

You're supposed to wear it higher, it's top edge should be above your navel.

I bet you could do that and your shirt would not show below it, solving the problem (covering the button), but try it and let us know if otherwise.



There is not enough black level differentiation in the pics to show where the cumberbund ends and pants begin (when you have it on), but I'm pretty darn sure you're just wearing it too low. You're used to the feeling of a normal belt line, but cumberbund goes above that.

 

[archetypal_yuppie]

I also think you have it upside down.

The folds shouldn't be oriented so that food can fall into them.

 

[J011yroger]

The main problem is that you're wearing the cumberbund as if it is a belt.

You're supposed to wear it higher, it's top edge should be above your navel.

I bet you could do that and your shirt would not show below it, solving the problem (covering the button), but try it and let us know if otherwise.



There is not enough black level differentiation in the pics to show where the cumberbund ends and pants begin (when you have it on), but I'm pretty darn sure you're just wearing it too low. You're used to the feeling of a normal belt line, but cumberbund goes above that.

I also think you have it upside down.

The folds shouldn't be oriented so that food can fall into them.

I'm going to say that he has it on right-side up, and were it worn any higher his waistband would be exposed.

J

 

[Erablian]



I also think you have it upside down.

The folds shouldn't be oriented so that food can fall into them.

Pleats pointed up, as in the photo, is the traditional way. The mnemonic to remember this is the nickname “crumbcatcher” for cummerbund. As far as I know, only US Army mess dress wear cummerbunds with pleats pointing down.

 

[J011yroger]

Is there a good resource for dating formal wear? I am accumulating quite a bit of vintage stuff, and am just curious as to when it was made both for my own curiosity, and to look up pictures of the decades they were from.

J

 

[Digmenow]



Is there a good resource for dating formal wear? I am accumulating quite a bit of vintage stuff, and am just curious as to when it was made both for my own curiosity, and to look up pictures of the decades they were from.

J

If it's true vintage stuff (not just something from the early 80's, for instance) post up some pics here.

The Official Vintage Clothing and Accessories Thread

Those guys are pretty helpful.

 

[J011yroger]



If it's true vintage stuff (not just something from the early 80's, for instance) post up some pics here.

The Official Vintage Clothing and Accessories Thread

Those guys are pretty helpful.

Great, I'll round up a bunch of things and post up pictures.

J

 

[J011yroger]

Tried on a bunch of stuff tonight, my mother of pearl studs while they look quite nice in the jewelry box are very inconspicuous against the white shirt maybe best for white tie or a more solomn less festive event.

I didn't want to wear onyx ones because I feel they are pretty common, so I am leaning towards these.

Thoughts?

J

 

[archibaldleach]

^ What exactly is wrong with inconspicuous? Mother of pearl studs are very tasteful and classic.

 

[ImTheGroom]

^ What exactly is wrong with inconspicuous? Mother of pearl studs are very tasteful and classic.

He's trying to be flashy and funky for a theme party, that's mostly going to be informally attired people, I believe.

 

[ImTheGroom]

Just came across this, in one of my regular perusals of this site:

http://www.savvyrow.co.uk/products/vintage-white-pleated-cummerbund-32



Any guesses on the vintage? Were white cummerbunds ever common?

 

[aznorazizul]

Quote: Here are some pics illustrating my problem. I can't believe Brooks Brothers would put a non-stud button on the pique bib. In any case, I think that the quickest/easiest/cheapest route is simply to get the button cut off and another stud hole made (my tailor can do it for $20). That leaves me with 5 studs, which I very much dislike, but is otherwise innocuous. I definitely regret the low rise pants, and when I replace this tux, I will have something MTM with a more reasonable cut.

I agreed you should be wearing it a bit higher. That is from my personal observation. The cummerband shouldn't be worn as belt.